Giving Chase

Keith Morris, legendary front man for Black Flag and The Circle Jerks, once said, “If you’re starting a band and think that you’re going to make a lot of money, you’re fooling yourself. Maybe the machinery kicks in behind you and it turns into the golden brick road, but for most of us, we just had to go out and bust our asses.” Like many bands before them, Giving Chase has always been a band busting their ass for the love of what they do. Few bands would still be together if they’d gone through much of what this band has endured, but for these five guys, giving up has never been an option.

Over the last two years they have played over 200 shows in the US, Canada, and Europe, and released both a seven-inch and DVD. June 2007 saw the release of their highly anticipated first full-length, A Cheap Print of A Masterpiece on Jump Start Records (A Wilhelm Scream, Belvedere), and the band shows no sign of slowing down.

Founding members Mike Woliansky and Ryan Wilcox have always worked together to create music and lyrics that make a statement. Grab the listener’s attention, make a visceral connection, and never let go. While the two weathered a rotating cast of fair-weather drummers and bassists over the first few years, they still managed to release a solid, if unrefined EP and tour extensively as a young band just learning the ropes.

July 2003 saw the addition of Brian Dougherty to the band’s lineup and the release of Nothing Ever Changes on Jump Start Records. Also recorded at Clay Creek Studios with Nick Rotundo, Nothing Ever Changes is progressive and intense—the first real sign of the band’s true potential. The initial reaction to the release was overly positive, garnering great reviews from Punknews.org, Punkrocks.net, and Pastepunk.com among others. With a solid record under their belt, the band set out on tour.

With a move to Philadelphia in July of 2004, and the addition of long time friends of the band, Carlin Brown on drums and Jeremy Myers on bass, the band’s lineup finally solidified. Brown and Myers’ addition and the much needed move helped to breathe new life into the band and their music. Collectively, the genre-defying five-piece now has over 70 years experience playing and performing music as a part of the punk and hardcore community.

In December 2005 the band returned to Clay Creek to record what would become A Cheap Print of a Masterpiece. The culmination of months of hard work and preparation, the record is a huge leap forward for the band. Simultaneously progressive and catchy, the songs are more intense and challenging while still showcasing the band’s dynamic songwriting ability and ear for melody.

While creating music and touring are their primary focus, Giving Chase has always been eager to step-up and give back to their scene: putting on shows, operating DIY venues, running record labels, booking tours, and screen printing t-shirts and posters are just some of the ways they’ve helped to support a community that’s given so much to them. Being an underground band has always meant being a part of something bigger and greater than yourself—a scene that has the potential to open minds and change lives.

Their devotion to their music and their scene has earned them a far-flung, loyal following. Unlike so many young bands today, they choose their music and a strong conviction of ideals over posturing, image and fashion. It is this sincerity that is quickly earning them a voice in underground music.